Crashing with The Rhinos

How do you put into words an experience like we had on Friday? World After Sports Martin Underwood was invited into the “Inner Sanctum” of Rugby Leagues play-off chasing Leeds Rhinos, experiencing the matchday preparations and game-time first hand.

Long-time supporter of World After Sport Sean Long, who joined us for our covid lockdown webinars, and has been passionate in enhancing his personal skills suggested we should come and see how things work inside the club, as they prepare for a match – and who were we to say no to such an offer?? Here’s Martin’s story of the evening.

Arriving at Headingly stadium, I was greeted with huge welcoming smiles at the car park and that sense of ‘being’ started from there and never stopped through the evening. Sean met me at the main gate, gave me a Leeds Rhino’s hoodie to wear (I had to look the part, right? 😊) and took me through into the stadium. Walking under the stand, which was dark and shaded from the sun, we entered an area which came to life, full of colour showing you the history of this amazing club, with some of the great players and trophies won in the past. I was introduced to stadium staff who greeted me as if I’d been part of the team for years. 

For the next 45 minutes we sat with the physio and performance team, preparing for the upcoming match against Warrington Wolves that evening. Sean then gave me a nod to say, “come with me” and we walked further into the corridors, seeing huge pictures of legends like Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, and suddenly music was getting louder and louder from in front of me. We entered the door and my eyes popped out – This is the changing rooms – Pretty empty, one or two players in, but all beautifully laid out with kits, towels for everyone in each cubby hole. I was shown to my own cubbyhole and met Rohan Smith, Head Coach, who was quietly making notes in advance of the game. The players started to drift in one by one, and each one came over to Sean and myself and gave us both a high-five or fist pump. 

Once they’d all arrived we went through to the team room where the players sat and discussed plans for the game before watching a video prepared by Rohan and his performance team, with subtle messages that came to fore at the end with Rohan articulating his thoughts in just a few powerful words.

Back to the changing room and now it’s time to get changed and start the warm-ups with energy food and drink or water – all the time Sean explaining why certain actions were taking place. As the players went out to the pitch, I followed and just in awe of the stadium, the fans all building up and being on this side of the fence. It’s hard to say how different it feels on the pitch looking out, rather than off the pitch looking in. The players came back in, again changed, this time into their match shirts. Sean and I left them to it, and I assumed my evening was done and I was going to be shown a seat to watch the game – but my goodness I was wrong. We went up 3 flights of stairs to the management tables and that’s where I’d watch the game, behind the team, listening as tactics were shouted into mic’s and watching as Leeds started strong and took a good lead into half time.

Half time we headed back to the changing room and listened as Rohan shared his thoughts to the players, and we reciprocated the actions for the second half, going upstairs, watching the game and coming down after, the team holding on to win 24-18, after a tough 2^nd half. 

Once again all the players came over and high-fived with me as if I’d helped them win the game, making me feel like part of the rugby family – something that will live with me. Finally my night came to and end, with one final special moment, and I don’t mean when someone sked me for a photo as I exited the ground wit Sean. No – I looked to return Sean his tracksuit top, but being the gentleman he is, he said “no mate – that’s for you – thanks so much for coming”. I was blown away and just in my own world.

But why did I go?? If we are going to support sports professionals fully and properly, then we have to understand how they operate, how they communicate and what makes them tick. We can then adapt to their ways and styles and offer better support in the future. We very much hope to have more news about Leeds in the future, as we discuss ways to collaborate with them about player welfare and transition.

If you, or your club, would value a discussion or our support, get in touch with us by emailing martin.underwood@worldaftersport.com